Quite possibly the most nutritious smoothie around!

(Recipe with dairy-free and fructose-friendly alternative)

Yesterday I experimented with a gluten- and dairy free eclair recipe. I nailed it hooray (recipe to follow) but as a result I have since introduced a dessert option with every meal from breakfast to night snack.. I’ve pretty much been eating my way through the whole project. Yes, I’m a pig. But how could I resist. I mean come on, look at this:

I’ve been having some very busy days lately. The Gluten Free Lifesaver is expanding rather quickly, and to keep up I’ve had to do a lot of “overtime”. I’m super excited about it, in fact I couldn’t be happier. The bigger we grow, the more I can pursue my vision of making this world better for coeliacs!However, I’m compromising my own health a bit by skipping meals and not taking breaks. It needs to come to an end. After all, without my health I’m nothing.

That being said, no wonder we’re growing; there is such a giant need for community, guidance, love and awareness! Just look at the infographic on the right: (click for larger image)

So, to keep my energy up and make sure my mind stays alert and healthy, what better than a smoothie. And not just any smoothie; the healthier version of an Orange Julius boasts some of the most nutrient rich ingredients available!

The Incredible Egg!

The special thing about this particular Orange Julius is that it contains egg yolk. I know that might sound a bit “yucky” to some, but beyond the unbelievable health benefits the yolk provides, it also actually tastes really good!

Egg Yolks are absolutely jam-packed with goodness! Forget old ideas; the egg yolk is a super-food!From fat-soluble vitamins and essential fatty acids, to carotenoids, the yolk contains highly absorbable forms of lutein and its partner zeaxanthin. These carotenoids accumulate in the back of the eye and appear to protect against age-related macular degeneration(source).

Chris Masterjohn Phd writes in an article on cholesterol-and-health.com that “One important set of nutrients that should not be overlooked are the long-chain essential fatty acids. Egg yolks contain the long-chain omega-3 fatty acid DHA, which is necessary for the brain and proper retinal function in the eye, and the long-chain omega-6 fatty acid arachidonic acid, which is required for the healthy skin, hair, libido, reproduction, growth and response to injury.”

Choose Pastured!

The same article also points out that: “Pastured eggs, meaning eggs from chickens that are free to forage for grass and insects, are of much higher nutritional quality than eggs from confinement chickens. The marginal increase in value, of course, is found mostly in the yolk.

Insects provide a higher DHA content, found exclusive in the yolk, and grass provides a higher vitamin E and carotene content, also found exclusively in the yolk. Egg yolks from pastured chickens are thus a powerful supplement to a healthy diet — a super-food — providing necessary nutrients in which the Standard [..] Diet is deficient.”

So it is in fact important to seek our pastured eggs where available, as these are undoubtedly better for you (and the hens no doubt).

The Huffinton post shares an article about the conflicting suggestions regarding eggs and cholesterol; “There are several nutrients specific to the egg yolk that help promote overall health. Egg yolks are one of the richest dietary sources of the B-complex vitamin choline, which is associated with better neurological function and reduced inflammation. There’s also evidence that dietary choline helps with fetal brain development when pregnant women eat it. Another side benefit of a diet rich in choline is, well, happiness.”

I remember my grandma telling me that she and her girlfriends used to use egg yolk as a hair treatment when they were young. I don’t know how they worked out that “magic” trick, but the facts remain unchanged: Egg yolks are high in sulfur, an essential nutrient that helps with everything from liver function to great skin, nails and hair!

Actually, I’ve always fed my cat an egg every now and again. I always fancied the egg would keep its fur shiny.

Turns out that an egg yolk is far better than any multi-vitamin, and all natural at that!Just take a look at this diagram of nutrients that can be found in just one yolk!

So, with all that in place the next thing to add would be vitamin C, and what better way to get your daily dose of the energy boosting antioxidant than with a real, fresh orange!

To make the Orange Julius you will need:

3 medium oranges, squeezed and preferably frozen (use ice-cube trays)

2 egg yolks from truly pastured hens (make sure you check to see if raw egg is a problem in your area, and source out a safe provider!)

3/4 cup milk

1/4 cup cream (you can substitute these two for coconut milk or other dairy free alternative)

3 tbsp honey or maple syrup for fructose friendly alternative (if you’re using very sweet oranges you reduce the amount)

1/2 tsp real vanilla extract (or vanilla bean)

1 tbsp gelatine or 1/2 tbsp xantan or other thickener

If you don’t have frozen orange juice available then you can use freshly squeezed juice coupled with crushed ice.

Blend the milk, gelatine and vanilla first, then add the rest. Serve this fluffy and creamy nutrient bomb straight away.

Follow me on Pinterest!

Most Popular

Coeliac Organisations Worldwide

I’m loving

Disclaimer

The content of this blog is intended to be of help to you, and is based on my personal experience and opinions. I am not affiliated with the products or businesses mentioned, and reviews and articles are independent, unless otherwise specified.

If you have health concerns you should contact your physician for professional advice.

Images on this blog are of my making and copyright of Kristine Ofstad unless otherwise specified.